Modular naval complex and equipped modules intended to be part of said naval complex

ABSTRACT

A modular naval complex comprises a basic vessel provided with means for varying the height of the waterline thereof and housing the bottom of which is formed by a platform that can be moved between a raised position and a submerged position by operating said means to vary the height of the waterline, the naval complex comprising equipped floating modules suitable for being inserted into said housing and to be extracted floating from the latter when the platform is in the submerged position, the modules resting on the platform when it is in the raised position, on the equipped modules active operating means being integrated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a modular naval complex equipped so as to perform operations in a marine environment, such as, for example, laying submarine conduits. The invention relates in particular also to the equipped modules that are usable in the naval complex.

2. State of the Prior Art

In the prior art, vessels are known that are equipped with apparatuses that are suitable for laying submarine conduits, such as, for example, pipelines or the like.

The conduit can be of different types and sizes according to the technical specifications that it has to meet, and it can be installed in very deep, deep or medium to shallow waters.

Depending on the cases, various equipment has to be used that is suitable for laying the conduit according to particular laying modes.

For example, the ship can be set up with equipment for the so-called “J-lay”, i.e. with the partially submerged conduit positioned on the sea bed according to a J-profile that is almost vertical at the vessel.

The equipment comprises a supporting tower that is suitable for supporting an additional almost vertical pipe portion that is welded each time to the end of the partially submerged conduit so as to extend the conduit.

The vessel is provided with tensioning means for tensioning the conduit during the laying step.

The pipe trunks to be joined to form the conduit are loaded onto the vessel from barges or supply vessels during the operative step, for example by cranes.

Alternatively, the vessel could comprise equipment suitable for laying in “S-lay” mode, i.e. with the partially submerged conduit arranged according to an S-profile whilst it positions itself on the sea bed during laying.

At the stern of the ship there is arranged a structure with an arched profile (called a “stinger” in the jargon) to support the conduit portion that is leaving the ship. The vessel is provided with joining stations that gradually extend the conduit by joining additional trunks of pipe and the free end thereof.

The conduit is maintained taut during laying by means of suitable tensioning apparatuses.

According to other techniques, on the vessel there are installed pipe reels made of stiff steel or reels of flexible pipe that supply portions of conduit during laying. The pipe intended to be laid can be wound on the suitable housings whilst the ship is stationary in port, with an operation that usually requires a certain lapse of time. Also in this case, the equipment intended to extend the pipe comprises suitable tensioning means for tensioning the conduit.

The vessels in question involve a very high investment cost, owing to the considerable size of the vessels and the sophisticated technology used therein (think, for example, of the propellers, the installed power, the dynamic positioning system, or still other things). Therefore, there is very great interest in making the vessel work in the most continuous and productive manner.

Nevertheless, whatever the type of laying equipment integrated in the vessel, the pipe-loading step (in a reel or trunks) requires a considerable outlay of time, which greatly affects productivity, requiring considerable periods stationary in port, to prepare the equipment for the subsequent work.

Further, each vessel has integrated into the structure a different type of equipment for laying the pipe, for example equipment for “J-lay”, “S-lay” or for laying from pipe reels (also known as “carousels”).

For the various type of laying required, a different suitably equipped vessel is necessary. In order to meet in a flexible manner the various needs that may arise in the various practical applications, several variously equipped vessels must be available. Obviously, this situation entails very high investment costs.

The general object of the present invention is to remedy the aforesaid drawbacks by providing a modular naval complex that enables various types of submarine conduit to be laid. A further object of the invention is to provide a modular naval complex that enables great operating efficiency and flexibility.

A further object of the invention is to provide equipped modules that are suitable for being used in the aforesaid modular naval complex that enable great flexibility to be obtained in the type of submarine pipe laid and enable the efficiency of use of the laying equipment to be increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of this object, it has been decided to make, according to the invention, a modular naval complex comprising a basic vessel provided with means for varying the height of the waterline thereof and provided with a housing the bottom of which is formed by a platform that can be moved between a raised position and a submerged position operating said means to vary the height of the waterline, the naval complex comprising equipped floating modules suitable for being taken to said housing and being extracted floating from the latter when the platform is in the submerged position, the modules resting on the platform when it is in the raised position, in the equipped modules active operating means being integrated.

Still according to the invention, it has been decided to devise a floating equipped module intended to be inserted into a submergible housing of a vessel provided with the varying means for varying the waterline suitable for carrying a platform that forms the bottom of the housing between a raised position and a submerged position to enable the equipped module to be inserted floating into the housing and the extraction thereof from the housing, there being integrated active operating means on the equipped module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to make the explanation of the innovative principles of the present invention and the advantages thereof over the prior art clearer, with the help of the attached drawings a possible embodiment applying such principles will be disclosed below. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a modular naval complex according to the invention configured for laying a submarine conduit in “S-lay” mode, where a side bulwark of the vessel has been removed to enable the equipped modules inserted into the pool to be viewed,

FIG. 2 is a view from the stern of the naval complex of FIG. 1 with the module removed that bears the arched support for laying in “S-lay” mode,

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the complex in FIG. 1, with the bridge removed that supports the crane at the stern of the vessel,

FIG. 4 is a side view of the modular complex configured for laying a submarine conduit in “J-lay” mode, where a side bulwark of the vessel is removed to enable the equipped modules inserted into the pool to be viewed,

FIG. 5 is a side view of the modular complex configured for laying a submarine flexible reel conduit from, where a side bulwark of the vessel is removed to enable the equipped modules inserted into the pool to be viewed,

FIG. 6 is an equipped module for “S-lay”-type laying,

FIG. 7 is an equipped module for producing double/triple joints,

FIG. 8 is an equipped module for “J-lay”-type laying,

FIG. 9 is an equipped module for laying from a reel.

With reference to the figures, in FIG. 1 there is shown a modular naval complex 11 according to the invention.

The complex 11 comprises a basic vessel 12 and equipped floating modules 13 and 14 that can be combined with the basic vessel 12 to perform certain off-shore operations. The basic vessel 12 is of the so-called “dock-carrier” type, comprising a submergible housing 37 the bottom of which is formed by a platform 37 a (clearly indicated in FIG. 2) and means for varying the waterline so as to take the platform from a raised position to a submerged position and vice versa.

The modules 13, 14 can be inserted into or extracted from the housing 37 when the platform 37 a is in the submerged position.

Advantageously, the housing 37 is formed by a pool obtained between two side bulwarks of the vessel 12 and provided on one side with a side opening 27, advantageously abaft, to enable the module to be inserted and extracted (see FIG. 2). In the raised position the pool is taken to a dry position and the equipped module rests on the bottom platform 37 a of the pool.

In FIG. 2, 41-43 indicate various waterlines that the vessel 12 may have, for example the line 43 with the pool in the submerged position and the line 41 with the pool in the raised dry position.

The means for varying the waterline may comprise a ballast system (not shown in the figure) according to known techniques.

The pool 37 extends longitudinally along the extent of the vessel 12 and may have, for example, a length equal to 200 m, a width equal to 26 m and a height of 13.5 m. On the bottom of the pool 37 there is a hole 31 (known in the jargon as a “moon pool”), that is rectangular in shape and suitable for being traversed by the conduit during laying in “J-lay” mode, as will be indicated below.

The two side bulwarks that bound the pool 37 form side bridges 29 that extend on opposite sides of the vessel. The side bridges 29 are clearly shown in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 1 a side bulwark of the hull has been removed to enable a pair of equipped modules 13 and 14 inserted inside the pool 37 to be viewed.

The equipped modules 13, 14 being inserted into the pool 37 are positioned by windlasses and supporting hooks and are then immobilized integrally on the vessel 12. Once the modules are received in the pool 37, the vessel 12 is placed in the raised position so that the modules 13, 14 rest on the bottom platform 37 a of the pool.

In FIG. 2 the module 14 has been removed and the module 13 is shown schematically to show clearly that with the waterline 41 the modules 13, 14 are placed in the dry position.

In the naval complex, mechanical connecting means of various type can be provided between the basic vessel and the modules, to make the module integral with the vessel with the pool in the raised position. Advantageously, engaging the bottom of the equipped module on the bottom (or platform) 37 a of the pool 37 ensures that the module remains integral with the vessel 12 in any operating condition.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the opening 27 is dominated by a bridge 22 that connects the two side bulwarks forming the side bridges 29. The bridge 22 makes a platform on which the screw base of a rotatable crane 21 (known as a “revolving crane”) is integrated, advantageously a 3000 T class crane.

The vessel 12 comprises a dynamic positioning system, made according to known techniques with four or more rotatable screw propellers 24. The main propellers 23 of the vessel abaft can also contribute to dynamic positioning.

Towards the bow of the vessel 12 there is a superstructure that contains accommodation, washrooms, offices, hotels, a hospital, canteens, etc, intended for housing up to 400 people.

On the side bridges 29 some cranes 25 are mounted that are suitable for loading the vessel 12 in port, for example by removing the pipe trunks (or pipe “bars” as they are known in the jargon of the industry) to be laid to extend the submarine conduit during laying.

According to the invention, the equipped modules have active operating means integrated on the modules that are suitable for conducting marine off-shore operations.

In the embodiments shown in the figures the active operating means is means for pipe-laying intended to make submarine conduits, for example pipelines or the like.

The pool 37 can receive two elongated modules arranged in a row, as clearly shown in FIG. 3, where the platform formed by the bridge 22 and the crane 21 was removed to enable the module 13 to be viewed completely.

The modules 13, 14 are equipped for laying a conduit in the “S-lay” mode.

In particular, the module 13 is equipped with joint means 28 that is suitable for connecting additional pipe portions 15 to the partially submerged conduit 16 so as to extend the pipe 15 during laying. The joining means 28 can be of the double/triple or quadruple joint type.

The station 28 comprises a complete welding-system plant, joint coating, hydraulic units, electric panels, control panels and other known equipment. In a central position there is arranged the laying line with the so-called “line-up” (for aligning laying). The joining station 28 is in fact made according to the prior art and will therefore not be disclosed further.

The module 14 comprises known tensioning means 17 for tensioning the conduit 16 and an arched support 18 (known as a “stinger”), that is suitable in use for supporting the portion of partially submerged conduit 16 that is leaving the naval complex 11, to enable the axial sliding thereof. The tensioning means 17 acts horizontally and thus also welding of the pipe trunks 15 occurs with the pipes arranged horizontally to the joining station 28.

The arched support 18 is supported by a suitable structure 19 integrated on the module 14 and which extends from the stern of the vessel when the module is inserted into the pool 37.

The arched support 18 is movable between a submerged operating position, as in FIG. 1, and a raised non-operating conveying position as shown in FIG. 6, where the equipped module 14 extracted from the pool 37 is shown.

The arched support 18 is hinged with hinging 50 on the body 51 of the module, and can be configured for laying in shallow or deep water.

In the operating configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, the arched support 18 is connected to the supporting structure 19 by a pair of rods 20, 38, according to teachings that are per se known in the prior art.

The cranes 25 can be used to load the pipe trunks to be joined during laying. The large surfaces of the side bridges 29 are used to store the pipe trunks intended to extend the partially submerged conduit during laying. Preferably, the upper bridge of the equipped modules 13, 14 has a height that is the same as that of the side bridges 29 with a module inserted into the pool, so as to have a sole loading bridge with large space for storing the pipes.

The basic vessel 12 is provided with an electric energy producing unit 52, indicated schematically by a dashed line in FIG. 1. The power installed in the vessel can be equal to several dozen megawatt.

The vessel comprises a distribution circuit for distributing energy 57 that can be connected by electric connecting means (not shown in figure) to a supply circuit of the equipped modules that supplies the various items of equipment (active operating means) integrated in the modules. In FIG. 6-7 there are shown schematically the supply circuits 53 and 54 for the two modules respectively 14 and 13. In FIG. 7 there are shown schematically also the means 28 intended to make the joint of the pipe portions intended to form the submarine conduit.

In FIG. 4 there is shown a different configuration of the modular naval complex 11 suitable for laying in “J-lay” mode.

In this case, with the base vessel 12 (this is already disclosed with reference to FIG. 1) a different floating module 30 is combined, that is insertable into and extractable from the pool in a similar manner to the modules 13, 14. The equipped module 30 comprises a supporting tower 32 that is suitable in an almost vertical operating position for supporting an almost vertical pipe portion to be joined to the partially submerged conduit 60 arranged with a J profile.

The module 30 is also equipped with double-joint work stations to supply the tower 32 (preferably two stations to the side of the tower, which are not shown in the figures and are per se made according to known techniques).

In FIG. 4 a dashed line 32 a shows the non-operating lowered position of the tower 32 for transferring the module 30, inserting the module 30 and extracting the module 30 into and from the pool. This position of the tower 32, which is almost horizontal, is also shown in FIG. 8.

The tower 32 is hinged with hinging 40 with an axis that is horizontal to the body of the module 30 to be moved between the operating position and the non-operating transferring position. The module is equipped with suitable means (not shown) to move the tower between the two positions and in order to maintain the tower in an almost vertical operating position during laying in “J-lay” mode.

Also the module 30 is provided with an electric supply circuit 55 that, in use, is connected to the distribution circuit 57 distributing the energy produced by the unit 52. When the module 30 is inserted into the pool 37, the base of the tower 32 is arranged above the “moon pool” hole 31, through which the conduit 60 is laid.

In the example shown in FIG. 4 in the pool a sole equipped floating module 30 is received, and the remaining space towards the stern can be occupied, for example, with a pair of reels of stiff steel pipe 33 having a diameter in the order of dozens of meters.

The reels 33, with a horizontal axis, are supported by supporting shoulders 34 on opposite sides. They are positioned in the pool using the crane 21, which can lift one reel at a time.

In FIG. 5 there is shown a third configuration that the modular naval complex 11 can assume, according to which into the pool 37 of the basic vessel 12 a floating module 35 that has reels 36 of flexible piping, said “carousels”.

Two reels 36 are integrated into the module and are arranged with a vertical axis. The pipe wound on the reels is of the flexible type. The diameter of the “carousel” can be equal to approximately 22 m (slightly less than the width of the module and of the pool) and be provided with a corresponding laying ramp, power unit and corresponding control instrumentation. The module can also be used to convey and store pipes in an enclosed manner.

The space that is not occupied by the floating module 35 is usable in various ways, for example by arranging a pair of reels 33 of the type already disclosed previously with reference to FIG. 4.

In FIG. 9 there is shown the module 35 with the two vertical axis reels 36, one in sequence to the other in relation to the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

The module 35, as in the other cases, is provided with a supply circuit 56 of the equipment suitable for being connected by known connecting means to the electric distribution circuit of the basic vessel 12.

There can be different types of umbilical connection enclosed in the side bulwarks of the pool 37, in addition to the electric connecting means for supplying the electric circuit of the module, such as piping of various types or other.

All the floating modules 13, 14, 30 and 35 have a width that is slightly less than the width of the pool (for example 0.5 m per side for the fender bars) and can be rapidly inserted or removed during floating when the pool is in a submerged state.

This enables the type of laying equipment of the submarine conduit to be changed without having to have different vessels with integrated equipment available, as occurred with the prior art.

In this manner, the modular naval complex enables very great operating flexibility to be achieved, thus enabling laying with different laying modes, depending on need, simply by changing the equipped module (or the equipped modules) inserted into the pool.

Further, the naval complex can be used in a very efficient manner, thus minimizing the time in port.

For example, if a module with “carousel” reels is used, the time required for supplying the vessel with flexible pipe is considerably less than that which would have been necessary to load the reel integrated into the vessel according to the prior art. In fact, the module that has the reels can be stationary in port to be loaded with the wound pipe whilst the naval complex is operating with other modules. Once the reel has been loaded it is sufficient to insert the floating module into the pool, without having to spend time with the vessel stationary in port with the reel being loaded.

At this point it is clear how the objects of the present invention have been reached.

A modular naval complex has in fact been provided that enables very great flexibility to be obtained in the choice of laying modes and satisfactory productivity to be obtained with the time in port being minimized.

Naturally, the above description of an embodiment applying the innovative principles of the present invention is provided merely by way of example of such principles and must not therefore be taken to limit the scope of what is claimed herein.

For example, the side opening 27 of the pool 37 could also not be dominated by a bridge 22 like the one shown in the figures and the crane 21 could also be absent. The vessel can be provided with prior-art ice-breaking means.

As an alternative, the equipped floating module can be provided with active operating means which include means for drilling a bore underwater. 

1. Modular naval complex comprising a basic vessel provided with means for varying the height of the waterline thereof and a housing the bottom of which is formed by a platform that can be moved between a raised position and a submerged position by operating said means to vary the height of the waterline, the naval complex comprising equipped floating modules suitable for being taken to said housing and to be extracted floating from the latter when the platform is in the submerged position, the modules resting on the platform when it is in the raised position, active operating means being integrated on the equipped modules.
 2. Modular naval complex according to claim 1, characterized in that said housing is formed by a pool provided on the perimeter thereof with an opening to enable the equipped modules to be inserted and extracted floating.
 3. Modular naval complex according to claim 2, characterized in that the opening is arranged at the stern of the vessel.
 4. Modular naval complex according to claim 2, characterized in that the pool extends longitudinally to the vessel between two side bulwarks of the vessel.
 5. Modular naval complex according to claim 4, characterized in that the two side bulwarks of the vessel form side bridges having the same height as a bridge of an equipped module inserted into the pool.
 6. Modular naval complex according to claim 2, characterized in that the floating modules have a width that is slightly less than that of the pool.
 7. Modular naval complex according to claim 3, characterized in that the opening is dominated by a bridge on which there is mounted a crane.
 8. Modular naval complex according to claim 1, characterized in that the active operating means of the modules are suitable for performing off-shore operations.
 9. Modular naval complex according to claim 1, characterized in that the active operating means of the modules comprises means for pipe-laying intended for making a submarine conduit.
 10. Modular naval complex according to claim 9, characterized in that said means for pipe-laying of a module comprises a joining station for joining pipe portions intended for extending a partially submerged conduit during the laying step to make the submarine conduit.
 11. Modular naval complex according to claim 9, characterized in that the means for pipe-laying comprises tensioning means of a conduit that is partially submerged during pipe-laying intended for making the submarine conduit.
 12. Modular naval complex according to claim 9, characterized in that said means for pipe-laying of a module comprises a supporting tower of a pipe trunk intended for being joined to a conduit that is partially submerged during pipe-laying in the “J-lay” mode.
 13. Modular naval complex according to claim 12, characterized in that said tower is arranged near a hole in the platform when the module is inserted into the housing, the hole being suitable for being traversed by the conduit that is partially submerged during pipe-laying.
 14. Modular naval complex according to claim 9, characterized in that the means for pipe-laying of a module comprises an arched support of the pipe intended for use when the module is inserted into the housing to be arranged at an end of the vessel to support an end portion of a partially submerged conduit with “S-lay”-type laying.
 15. Modular naval complex according to claim 14, characterized in that the arched support is mounted movably on the equipped module to move between a raised non-operating position and a submerged operating position.
 16. Modular naval complex according to claim 9, characterized in that said means for pipe-laying of a module comprises reels of flexible pipe.
 17. Modular naval complex according to claim 16, characterized in that the said pipe reels are mounted on the equipped module with a vertical rotation axis.
 18. Modular naval complex according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an electric-energy generating unit, a distribution circuit for distributing the energy produced by the unit and electric connecting means connecting said distribution circuit and an electric circuit of the equipped module for supplying said active operating means of the module.
 19. Modular naval complex according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for dynamic positioning of the vessel.
 20. Modular naval complex according to claim 1, characterized in that the platform of the housing is, in the raised position, dry.
 21. Modular naval complex according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises mechanical connecting means between the basic vessel and the modules to make the module integral with the vessel with the platform in the raised position.
 22. Equipped floating module intended to be inserted into a submergible housing of a vessel provided with the varying means for varying the waterline suitable for moving a platform that forms the bottom of the housing between a raised position and a submerged position to enable the equipped module to be inserted floating into the housing and the extraction thereof from the housing, active operating means being integrated on the equipped module.
 23. Equipped floating module according to claim 22, characterized in that the active operating means of the module is suitable for performing off-shore operations.
 24. Equipped floating module according to claim 22, characterized in that the active operating means of the module comprises means for pipe-laying intended for making a submarine conduit.
 25. Equipped floating module according to claim 24, characterized in that the pipe-laying means comprises joining means for joining pipe portions intended for extending a conduit that is partially submerged during laying.
 26. Equipped floating module according to claim 24, characterized in that the pipe-laying means comprises tensioning means of a conduit that is partially submerged during pipe-laying intended for making the submarine conduit.
 27. Equipped floating module according to claim 24, characterized in that said pipe-laying means comprises a tower suitable for supporting the pipe portion to be connected to a partially submerged conduit for laying a submarine conduit in the “J-lay” mode.
 28. Equipped floating module according to claim 27, characterized in that said tower is movable with respect to a body of the equipped module between an almost vertical operating position and an almost horizontal position for conveying.
 29. Equipped floating module according to claim 24, characterized in that the pipe-laying means comprises an arched support intended to be arranged at an end of the vessel when the module is inserted into the housing, the support being suitable for supporting the end part of the partially submerged conduit during laying in the “S-lay” mode.
 30. Equipped floating module according to claim 29, characterized in that the arched support is mounted movably on a body of the equipped module to move between a raised non-operating position and a submerged operating position.
 31. Equipped floating module according to claim 24, characterized in that said pipe-laying means comprises pipe reels.
 32. Equipped floating module according to claim 31, characterized in that said reels are mounted on the equipped module with a vertical rotation axis.
 33. Equipped floating module according to claim 22, characterized in that it comprises an electric supply circuit supplying said active operating means and electric connecting means connecting said supply circuit and an electric circuit for distributing energy of the vessel.
 34. Equipped floating module according to claim 22, characterized in that the active operating means of the module comprises means for drilling a bore underwater. 